Plastic Design of Multistory Frames by Computer

Two FORTRAN programs prepared to aid in the preliminary design of unbraced multistory frames are described. The first program has two phases. Phase I, Tabulation of Design Data, accepts data about the geometry of the structure and general load patterns and translates this into loads on individual members based on the tributary areas supported by the members. The program handles regular-shaped rectangular frames up to eight bays and 48 stories. A punched output serves as input to Phase II. Phase II, Girder Moments and Moment Balance, takes the frame geometry and loading on the structure and prepares listings of the required plastic moments for girders and of controlling values for moment diagrams for girders and columns. Thrusts in each column are also listed. Listings are for gravity load and gravity plus wind from two directions. The second program, Subassemblage Method of Analysis, evaluates the load versus sway characteristics of a single story of a frame already designed. Numerical results plus a digital plot are obtained.